Pep Guardiola aimed a sly dig at Romelu Lukaku in a staunch defence of Xavi, who has been subject to criticism after Manchester City won the Champions League. The 29-year-old striker didn't exactly cover himself in glory in Istanbul, denying Inter Milan from a late equaliser – not once, but twice.
In what could be his final game for the Nerazzurri, Lukaku blocked a strike from Federico Dimarco in the dying embers. Then, shortly after, Ederson palmed away a gilt-edged header from the Belgium international.
The Premier League champions proceeded to bask in European glory, leaving Inter with broken hearts. Devastated by his performance and the result, Lukaku poured his heart out on Instagram.
"First of all thank you to all the Inter fans for the love and support throughout the season," wrote the Chelsea striker. "You guys stood by us through every moment and personally I want to thank you for that.
"It wasn’t meant to be. We gave it all. That’s a s*** feeling for all of us that love this beautiful club… But this club has hunger and we will fight to hopefully reach that moment of glory one day."
Speaking to Spanish media, Guardiola has now given his account of the dramatic events which saw Champions League misery flash before City. As quoted by Reshad Rahman, the 52-year-old reduced the club's major honour to a mistake by Lukaku in a staunch defence of Xavi.
"Give Xavi a little time, it took us 8 years to win the UCL," said Guardiola. "I’m European champion because a striker missed a clear header from 3 yards away.
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"Xavi knows it better than I do - when you win La Liga, you've been the best team. He played group-stages with his defenders injured and now the defence is his team’s strength."
He added: "Barça has a great coach who knows the club and how the project is going. He has won La Liga and hopefully he will be there for many years. When Xavi decides he has finished his stage, Busi or someone else will come. Like me, my stage as Barça coach is done."
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